If You're Out There Explained

If You're Out There
Cover:If_youroutthere.png
Type:single
Artist:John Legend
Album:Evolver
Released:August 24, 2008
Recorded:2008
Studio:
  • Legacy Studios
  • SARM, London and Los Angeles
  • Capitol, Hollywood
Length:4:20
Prev Title:Green Light
Prev Year:2008
Next Title:Magnificent
Next Year:2009

"If You're Out There" is the second single from John Legend's album, Evolver, which features the Agape Choir. The song was released digitally on August 24, 2008. It was inspired by Barack Obama's presidential campaign and was later posted as a free download on Obama's website.[1] [2] The song also alludes to Gandhi's quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world," with the lines "We don't have to wait for destiny / we should / be the change that we / want to see.

Performances

Democratic National Convention

The song was performed live during the Democratic National Convention in Denver on August 25, 2008.[3] The performance featured the Agape International Choir.[4]

2008 Latin Grammy Awards

John Legend appeared to perform the song in duet with Colombian rock singer Juanes during the 9th Annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on November 13, 2008. The version they performed was sung mostly in Spanish by both singers, with only a few lines in English.

2009 NBA All-Star Game

John Legend appeared at halftime of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and performed the song. Lyrics were alternated between English and Spanish, with the Spanish portions sung by Juanes. The song has been used in "NBA Cares" PSAs which encourage community service.[5]

Charts

Chart (2008)Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles10
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles17
UK Singles Chart135
Dutch Singles Chart41

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=289033812&s=143441 iTunes viewable content
  2. http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/johnlegend Barack Obama | Change We Need | John Legend
  3. https://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSN2541638420080825 Legend debuting song at Democratic convention
  4. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/grammy-winning-recording-artist-john,514888.shtml Grammy Winning Recording Artist John Legend Scheduled to Premiere 'If You're Out There,' an Anthemic Call-to-Action for Our Times, During Historic Performance Opening the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, August 25
  5. http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/01/27/legend.shaq.allstar09.pregame/index.html Legend, Juanes to perform at halftime of All-Star Game